Monday, September 22, 2008

convex mirror

This mirror is a convex one that was once very popular during the 19th century in England; although, no convex mirror was produced of this size until 1795. This particular mirror was made in the year 1800 in England. The designer is unknown. This artifact represents the Regency style. This era can be noted by elegant furniture, boldness and a white stucco façade with columns. This mirror has carved pediments with an eagle at the top. Hung mirrors are used to reflect objects in the room, however convex mirrors have the ability to reflect the whole interior. Usually one would hang such artifact at the end of the room in a place where it could do so. This object is an additive object to a building and has the ability to repeat elements within the space. According to Wikipedia, these mirrors can be very helpful because the image is always virtual, diminished and upright. Images reflected in these artifacts are always look smaller than they really are so that they can show more than a plane mirror. Mirrors capture light and reflects them into the space making good use of natural and artificial light. Today you can find convex mirrors in cars, security features, computer monitors, camera phones, Christmas ornaments, and thumb tacks.

Compare: One could compare this convex mirror to Jayson Parkers artifact, the library table. This table is embellished with carvings, and plated with bronze. This table is not functional, however it is seen as a symbol of power.

Contrast: In comparison to Sara Zales post on the Ray Hollis ashtray, this artifact is much different than the convext mirror. Designed also 100 years later and for a much different purpose the ashtray was made as a gift and is characterized but is strait edges and lines.